Bears insist they will be “full go” against Packers

The game clinched a bye for the Bears. That gives Chicago less motivation to go all out against Green Bay Sunday, and the Giants need the Packers to lose for a chance at the playoffs. Vegas is on board with this thinking, installing the Packers as early ten point favorites.

“Lovie (Smith) said … we’re going to be playing, we’re going to be going and we’re going to be full-go on Sunday,” quarterback Jay Cutler said Wednesday according to the Chicago Tribune. “So that’s what we expect. Hopefully we can continue to be playing at the level we’re playing.”

Cutler mentioned how rare it would be to sweep all 6 games in division play. (It hasn’t happened in the NFC North since it was called the NFC Central in 1987.) More importantly, this isn’t just any opponent for the Bears.

Smith famously said his first goal as Bears coach was to beat the Packers. This is a chance to accomplish the goal in dramatic fashion. Chicago is completely healthy and they are headed for a bye week. They don’t really need the rest.

“We want to win the ball game,” Cutler said. “We don’t want to take a step back as a team or as an offense.”

They will too. Lovie said that when he came in… His job isnt to get to the SuperBowl, nor is it to win the north… Its to beat The Packers. He will play everyone the whole game.
I will laugh when Mathews hits Cutler with the Claymaker, and Urlacher breaks his wrist again.

handlethehandles says:Dec 29, 2010 3:56 PM

Its a great thought to play hard for no reason.. I just dont see great teams and or great coaches wasting time and effort on a game that does nothing for your team. This is the reason Dungy was a great coach and Smith is an average coach.

tommytd says:Dec 29, 2010 3:56 PM

Isn’t this the same head coach who sat most of his defense for the final game of the season the last time they went to post season play…and if my memory serves me correctly, didn’t that pearl of wisdom cost the unit the defensive title that year? Now he’s going all in…gimme a break…make up your mind Lovie!

I’m an Eagles fan, and I don’t want to play the Pack in the first round, cause our secondary sucks, but 10 points in a divisonal game is alot, hell,the bears have a bye and can rest up, you think they don’t want the packers out of their potential playoff run? Bears plus 10 is a lock…

stallan54 says:Dec 29, 2010 3:57 PM

That’s a hefty bet that Vegas is making. The Bears sat their starters in 05 or 06 and it bit them in the ass. Most say it was from too much rest. I tend to agree. I think the Bears play all out to beat the Pack and get them out of the playoffs. If I were them, that is the one team I would fear most playing in the post season. They match up better with the rest of the NFC

You only have to look back to 2007 when the Giants had a final game that didn’t really matter against the undefeated Patriots (who were trying to preserve their perfect record), played as hard as they could despite their injuries (even with a playoff game the next weekend), and damn near won. Then they won three straight playoff games and beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Or to Indy taking the last couple of games off last season and then losing the Super Bowl.

If you’re on a roll, which the Bears definitely are, you gotta keep that train moving.

aaronrodgerschokes says:Dec 29, 2010 4:12 PM

GO BEARS, KNOCK THE PACKLERS OUT OF THE PLAYOFFS.

mvp43 says:Dec 29, 2010 4:12 PM

Chances are that the Bears seeding will not change, so it wouldn’t make much sense to play all out the entire game. As much as Lovie wants to beat the Packers for the fans sake……he doesn’t get paid to beat the hated rival; he gets paid to win superbowls. If by chance Clay Mathews nails Cutler and injures him; or any other player goes down, Lovie will be the fool.

I wouldn’t wish an injury on anyone but I would hate to be Lovie is Cutler gets creamed on a blind side blitz, Knox gets knocked out over the middle or if Hester pulls a hammy on a punt return.

Go ahead and play your starters all 4 quarters. If the Packers can’t beat you then, they will have no excuses. But if they do beat you and come back to Chicago in the playoffs, watch out because you just gave them some confidence they would have never had otherwise.

Lovie has to say that for the ratings. Teams like this, with nothing to play for, almost never win.

rich25 says:Dec 29, 2010 4:28 PM

“It hasn’t happened in the NFC North since the divisions realigned in 1987″

The NFC North (the old NFC Central) was the same from 1977-2001. Divisional realignment occurred in 2002.

“You only have to look back to 2007 when the Giants had a final game that didn’t really matter against the undefeated Patriots (who were trying to preserve their perfect record), played as hard as they could despite their injuries (even with a playoff game the next weekend), and damn near won. Then they won three straight playoff games and beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

Or to Indy taking the last couple of games off last season and then losing the Super Bowl.

If you’re on a roll, which the Bears definitely are, you gotta keep that train moving.”

The Saints lost their last three regular-season games last year, and sat the regulars in the final regular-season game. How did that work out for them? Colts looked pretty good in winning their first two playoff games to reach the Super Bowl. Momentum is nice to have, but not necessary.

ruvelligwebuike says:Dec 29, 2010 4:28 PM

Obviously. Nothing else matters to Minnesota and Illinois other than seeing the far superior teams in Wisconsin not succeed.

Like that kid in high school who bullied you and stole the girl you love. While he moves on to making lots of money, living his dreams and parlaying his confidence and charm into a successful life, you sit in your lonely one-bedroom. Reminiscing about the day you beat the Packers, the Badgers in the 70’s, that day the girl from 4C brushed her boob against you accidentally in the elevator 6 years ago, and your hope that one day that kid from high school turns into a street bum. It won’t happen, son.

the divisions realigned in 1987? that’s news to me. pretty sure it was 2002…clowns

gregjennings85 says:Dec 29, 2010 4:30 PM

Typical. He probably will plan on this, too.

Then, when the Pack is up big, he’ll pull everybody, and later say he had a change of heart.

metalhead65 says:Dec 29, 2010 4:31 PM

the bears are playing great football right now and the offense is just starting to click on all cylinders so why wouldn’t they want to play?plus we don’t want to have to listen to cheeseheads talk about how we only won the first game because of penalties and that thier season went bad because of injuries wa wa wa.it won’t matter either way becfause the bears are still nfc north CHAMPS win or lose.suck on that cheeseheads!

To the Pack fans saying the Bears will be stupid for playing all out–that;s your FEAR talking, kids.

It’s not so much about avoiding injuries or even keeping momentum–this is a STATEMENT game for the Bears.
(FYI–last statement game the Bears played was vs. the Eagles)

It’s the PLAYERS who want to play, they want a crack at the Packers (who somehow STILL manage to be the media’s darlings), they want to shut up all the nay-sayers, and lay claim to a flawless divisional championship.

The fact that they’ll bounce Been Gay out of the playoffs in the process is just a sweet, delicious bonus.

A lot of talk, a lot like when the Bears played the Eagles. I can’t wait to see this game. I hope the Packers underestimate us like they did last time.

teal379 says:Dec 29, 2010 4:37 PM

If he’s gonna put them on the field – they had better play all out. It’s when you try and go 80% that people get hurt.

On the other hand – I’d love to hear the crying if the Pack is up 24 to 3 in the 4th and Cutler get his head knocked off – concussion, can’t go for their first play off game. (2 weeks is a long time but you never know – grounds gonna be HARD)

bucfansouthtampa says:Dec 29, 2010 4:40 PM

Chicago is playing for the number one seed. While unlikely, Atlanta could stumble again and let the Panthers win. This will put the NFC Championship game in Chicago in January, instead of a dome in Atlanta. Brrrr. Make it happen Lovie, Tampa needs you one more time.

Chicago will go for it though….Lovie’s priorities are: 1. Beat the Pack, 2. Win the NFC North, 3. Win the SB…and yes, it is in order (maybe because he knows the capabilities of his team)

silkyjohnson937 says:Dec 29, 2010 4:56 PM

@bucforever the bears dont play the giants and if u want the bucs in the playoffs like I do then we arent rooting for the packers its more like go bucs go bears and go redskins

clayswife says:Dec 29, 2010 4:56 PM

itll be Bye week, and then BYE BYE for da Bearly good bears when NO gets to them.

Bears this post season: 0-1

thejuddstir says:Dec 29, 2010 5:00 PM

Only GB fans actually believe da’ Bears will play their starters and “go all out”…..how freakin’ naive can packer fans be ( it’s a rhetorical question and now packer fans are running for their dictionary). The Packers will get into the playoffs the same way the Jets did last year, by their final opponent laying down for them. Obviously if they said otherwise, Mrs. GODell would fine them for usurping the integrity of the game.

trimgod69 says:Dec 29, 2010 5:05 PM

hopefullt Lovie goes full-tilt and knocks the fudgepackers out of the playoffs. i don’t want to have to possibly play the pack 3x in the same year. i was gonna say sumpin about the #1 seed, but it’ll prolly be decided before DaBears hit the field. If atlanta and norleans get beat tho, it’d be great to have homefield throughout!
GOOOOOOOOO BEARS !

ninjapleazee says:Dec 29, 2010 5:10 PM

for the idiot that says the game is meaningless, obviously you dont follow football enough.. its called rivalry.. beat the pack and knock them out of the playoffs… its better than winning the superbowl for most bears fans

I really could care less. Lovie may be smart here by playing his starters. I always felt u have a better chance of injury when purposely trying to avoid it in the NFL. Hopefully no one on either team suffers an injury. Hell the packers already got 14 on IR. And aarons one bad hit from Peppers away from concussion #3 and possibly a worse senario then IR

Lovie is not an idiot, but pragmatic. It is entirely possible that it will take Chicago 2 (or more) tries to beat the Packers and if they go all out this weekend they have a margin for error and can generate some tape in case they face them in the championship game. I do agree that they will sit their staarters if they fall too far behind or if they start taking hits.

bordner says:Dec 29, 2010 5:39 PM

The bears will be “full go” and Vegas only has the line at 10? Hell, the Packers could cover that with Flynn playing, which I’m sure he will be extensively in the 2nd half… when it’s the Packers who will be resting their starters after opening up a 4TD lead.

The bears still suck.

thejuddstir says:Dec 29, 2010 5:49 PM

“ninjapleazee says:
Dec 29, 2010 5:10 PM
for the idiot that says the game is meaningless, obviously you dont follow football enough.. its called rivalry.. beat the pack and knock them out of the playoffs… its better than winning the superbowl for most bears fans

——————————————–
I think we just found out who the real idiot is. I’m sure every NFL coach would rather win a “rivalry game” than the Superbowl…..jeeesh!

fergie22 says:Dec 29, 2010 5:49 PM

these players consider themselves warriors and if they are going to lose they would rather be carried out on their shields rather than standing on the side lines they are proud men and they shouyld be

skimbell says:Dec 29, 2010 5:56 PM

thejuddstir says:
Dec 29, 2010 5:00 PM
Only GB fans actually believe da’ Bears will play their starters and “go all out”…..how freakin’ naive can packer fans be ( it’s a rhetorical question and now packer fans are running for their dictionary)… usurping the integrity of the game.
“Usurping”? What the hell’s that ‘spose to mean? You might want to grab that dictionary that you thing belongs to Packer fans dumbazz.

rich25 says:
Dec 29, 2010 4:28 PM
“It hasn’t happened in the NFC North since the divisions realigned in 1987″

The NFC North (the old NFC Central) was the same from 1977-2001. Divisional realignment occurred in 2002.
_______________
Read the article again. Why are so many people that post messages on this site so stupid?

“(It hasn’t happened in the NFC North since it was called the NFC Central in 1987)”

bears354 says:Dec 29, 2010 8:31 PM

I’m willing to bet that if Lovie said he was sitting the starters, Pack fans would be on here bitching and moaning about how the Bears are scared and knew they would lose anyway! I’ll take the Bears and 10 points for sure! Bears win straight up anyway. It must suck to have the better team on paper but not on the field!

Dec. 31, 2006 after having home field advantage wrapped up for NFC playoffs, starts Rex Grossman who is awful and get asses whopped by Packers.

Jan 2007 beat Seattle in Divisional Round despite poor coaching decision at end of regulation to call timeout and give Seattle chance to kick game winning field goal.

Jan 2007 whoop New Orleans to advance to first Super Bowl in 21 years.

Feb 2007 after Devin Hester becomes first player to return opening kickoff of Super Bowl for a touchdown and team down by 5 late in 4th quarter, Rex Grossman tosses horrible pick and entire team can’t tackle Kelvin Hayden as he clinches super bowl with pick 6

2007 season team sucks and goes 7-9

2008 season team is average but needing a win to get into playoffs and help to win division loses at Houston to go 7-9 and no playoffs.

April 2009 trades for Jay Cutler, first decent qb since Jim McMahon or Sid Luckman

2009 season team sucks goes 7-9

Jan 2010 Lovie in post mortem acts defiant about all mistakes he has made and more or less guarantees playoffs for 2010

Ya going full go didn’t work out so well for the NY Giants when they lost and then beat the Pats in the Superbowl….LOL

clayswife says:Dec 29, 2010 11:00 PM

metalhead65 says:
Dec 29, 2010 4:31 PM
the bears are playing great football right now and the offense is just starting to click on all cylinders so why wouldn’t they want to play?plus we don’t want to have to listen to cheeseheads talk about how we only won the first game because of penalties and that thier season went bad because of injuries wa wa wa.it won’t matter either way becfause the bears are still nfc north CHAMPS win or lose.suck on that cheeseheads!”——————————————————–

The “Bears playing at a high level” when did that happen? I hope they don’t pull any punches this week but I bet Lovie doesn’t want to damage his teams psyche before the playoffs. I mean are you a real contender when a team full of backups (packers) beats your starters the week before the playoffs? No way Lovie plays his starters this week.

jimmysee says:Dec 30, 2010 12:20 AM

So — geniuses — what lessons could the Packers learn about the Bears by studying the Bears – New England game tape.

stellarperformance says:Dec 30, 2010 7:22 AM

The Bears are posers. The Packers will win by three scores whether they play their starters or not. Afterwards, we’ll be hearing how unimportant the game was and the plan was to focus on the playoffs…which may be true. In either case and including the bye..the Packers will go deeper in the postseason than these lucky posers.

The Bears are posers. The Packers will win by three scores whether they play their starters or not. Afterwards, we’ll be hearing how unimportant the game was and the plan was to focus on the playoffs…which may be true. In either case and including the bye..the Packers will go deeper in the postseason than these lucky posers.
__________________________________

Yup, we’ve been “posers” since weeks one and two, and throughout the season, right?

All the way on up to the division title, the #2 seed and homefield advantage over everyone except ATL.
If that’s “posing”, I hope the Bears continue their “posing” ways all the way through the playoffs.

And before they were “posers”, weren’t they supposed to be fighting with Detroit for 3rd place in the division, while media-darlings Minny & GB duked it out for first? Whatever happened to THAT particular bit of b.s.?

In short, you are as wrong now as you were then. Chump.

calloustongue says:Dec 30, 2010 1:29 PM

The Bears still suck. Two more losses and we can quit hearing from all the Bears fans that showed up on this site about 4 weeks ago.

UGH!! Just watched the first GB/CHI game and am sickened GB somehow lost that game. GB was so sloppy. That said they have cleaned up just about everything and there is absolutely zero chance of Chicago winning on Sunday. Zero

clayswife says:
Dec 29, 2010 11:00 PM
metalhead65 says:
Dec 29, 2010 4:31 PM
the bears are playing great football right now and the offense is just starting to click on all cylinders so why wouldn’t they want to play?plus we don’t want to have to listen to cheeseheads talk about how we only won the first game because of penalties and that thier season went bad because of injuries wa wa wa.it won’t matter either way becfause the bears are still nfc north CHAMPS win or lose.suck on that cheeseheads!”——————————————————–

enjoy your hats. we’ll enjoy the trophy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is the delusional Packer fanbase in a nutshell. God, you people are ignorant!!
——————————————
childressrulz says:
Dec 30, 2010 12:05 AM
The “Bears playing at a high level” when did that happen?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Packers last 5 weeks = 2-3
Including a loss to the powerhouse Lions.

Jesus, I can’t wait for the last packer loss every year. it shuts you tools up for at least a few weeks anyway. It usuall y starts in full force again when the schedules come out and every packer fans starts predicting at least 12 wins……

Bear down Bears….at least for 1 week. Then both your teams can rot in hell for all I care!

theytukrjobs says:Dec 30, 2010 2:47 PM

If the Bears do come out strong and actually play this game hard and physical, which will be required to win, I’m curious to see how Rodgers responds. A-Rod is a very good QB but so far in his young career he has been generally bad in high pressure situations. Bears come out and hit him in the mouth it will be interesting if he folds like a deck of cards as is typical with that particular player.

clayswife says:Dec 30, 2010 4:22 PM

stfudonny says:
Dec 30, 2010 2:04 PM
clayswife says:
Dec 29, 2010 11:00 PM
metalhead65 says:
Dec 29, 2010 4:31 PM
the bears are playing great football right now and the offense is just starting to click on all cylinders so why wouldn’t they want to play?plus we don’t want to have to listen to cheeseheads talk about how we only won the first game because of penalties and that thier season went bad because of injuries wa wa wa.it won’t matter either way becfause the bears are still nfc north CHAMPS win or lose.suck on that cheeseheads!”——————————————————–

enjoy your hats. we’ll enjoy the trophy.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This is the delusional Packer fanbase in a nutshell. God, you people are ignorant!!
——————————————
childressrulz says:
Dec 30, 2010 12:05 AM
The “Bears playing at a high level” when did that happen?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Packers last 5 weeks = 2-3
Including a loss to the powerhouse Lions.

Jesus, I can’t wait for the last packer loss every year. it shuts you tools up for at least a few weeks anyway. It usuall y starts in full force again when the schedules come out and every packer fans starts predicting at least 12 wins……

Bear down Bears….at least for 1 week. Then both your teams can rot in hell for all I care!